Which of the following is a regulated activity under the Freshwater Wetlands Act?

The Freshwater Wetlands Act is designed to protect New Jersey's wetlands and the ecological functions they provide. It regulates several activities that can significantly impact these environments.

Excavation or disturbance of soil in wetland areas can lead to the loss of habitat and disrupt the natural filtration and water retention that wetlands provide. The regulations are in place to ensure that any activities that could harm these functions are closely monitored and controlled.

Discharge of fill is another regulated activity because introducing materials into a wetland can obstruct water flow, alter water levels, and affect the organisms that rely on those ecosystems. The Act ensures that any such discharges are carefully assessed for their potential environmental impact.

Destruction of plant life and altering existing vegetation also falls under regulation, as plant life in wetlands plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's health, including stabilizing soil, providing habitat for wildlife, and assisting in water filtration.

Since all these activities can have detrimental effects on wetlands, they are all considered regulated under the Freshwater Wetlands Act, making the choice that encompasses all of these activities the correct one.